FAQs

Yes, we'd advise that you look for a lab with suitablecertification for performing the calibrations

Can I Increase The Slip Resistance Of Shiny Flooring Without Changing Its Appearance? Show answer

The slip resistance in wet conditions is related to the surface texture of the flooring. Acid etching treatments will increase slip resistance but make surfaces rougher and less shiny. Alternative, water-based slip resistance treatments are, however, available which have little or no effect on a floor's appearance.

Yes, there are textured coatings available which improve the wet slip resistance. There are also products available to fix on top of decking to give a slip resistant surface. Decking products are available with anti-slip inclusions, which would avoid the problem.

Can Manhole Covers & Other Profiled Surfaces Be Pendulum Tested? Show answer

Yes, in relation to pedestrian safety, we suggest referring to the profiled flooring section in the UKSRG guidelines

The Health & Safety Laboratory (HSL) and the Shoe and Allied Trades Research Association (SATRA) routinely undertake footwear slip testing, though they do not use the same methodology. HSL tend to use a ramp based methodology developed from the EN & DIN flooring standards, whereas SATRA use a mechanical test they have developed, and which is used in the EN safety footwear standard. The UKSRG has yet to form a view on which test method is the most appropriate

Do Different Standards Apply To Different Flooring Materials? Show answer

Yes, there are lots of standards for flooring materials. However, using the UKSRG guidelines will help you understand the slip potential of any flooring material. You may want to assess flooring in this way in addition to any flooring-specific standards. The guidelines will also assist you in considering the effects of cleaning, wear and use of the area into which the flooring will be installed.

No, the UKSRG does not hold such information. Individual members may have experience of particular products. Some information on generic level of slip resistance for different materials are available in “Safer surfaces to walk on – reducing the risk of slipping” published by CIRIA.

Does A Flooring Material Have An Absolute Value Of Slip Resistance? Show answer

No, the level of slip resistance will also depend on the shoe material in contact with it, and any contamination that may be present between the two. For specification purposes, the shoe material and the test conditions are defined, allowing one material to be compared with another

How Do UKSRG Guidelines Relate To Vehicular Traffic In Car Parks? Show answer

The UKSRG focuses on pedestrian safety, which does not extend to the slip resistance required by vehicles. For the pedestrians using the car park, the UKSRG Guidelines should be used to assess the slip potential, in the same way as they are used for any other pedestrian areas.

How Do You Measure Slip Resistance In Barefoot Situations? Show answer

The UKSRG guidelines cover the use of the pendulum for barefoot areas. The guidelines detail a secondary rubber slider which is used to assess barefoot slip potential in wet conditions. The use of Rz microroughness measurements to supplement pendulum measurements is equally valid for barefoot situations. There are two standards for barefoot testing, but both are laboratory based, and so can not be used to assess installed flooring.

What Does The Law Require In The UK In Terms Of Slip Resistance? Show answer

There are various regulations that apply to different premises, and different activities, but essentially they all require that the floor is not slippery in normal use. None of the regulations define the level of slip resistance required, or the test protocols that should be followed

What Does The Law Require Outside Of The UK In Terms Of Slip Resistance? Show answer

This group is primarily concerned with the UK, and as such we are not aware of the detail of the law in other countries. We do have a number of international members, who may be able to help in their own regions.

What Level Of Slip Resistance Is Required In School Corridors And Class Rooms? Show answer

The slip resistance required is dependent on the use of an area. The basic conditions in the guidelines are based on a biomechanical study of working age men walking at a normal pace. Where people are likely to run, they may need a higher level of slip resistance. You also need to consider the likelihood of the area becoming wet in normal use, for example a laboratory or workshop may need to be slip resistant when wet, whereas a typical class room would normally be dry.

You can hire the pendulum from BSI Calibration in Hemel Hempstead. However, using the pendulum tester is not easy without training, so this may be a time consuming exercise that could easily result in mis-leading data. We would suggest contracting an expert user, such as a UKSRG member.